After squeaking through a fourth-set tiebreak to beat Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic petulantly addressed the New York crowd.
On Tuesday, Roddick made fun of the Serbian's medical self-evaluation, which is starting to sound like Bill Belichick's weekly assessment of Tom Brady the last few seasons. (Probable.) Reading the American's transcript, I laughed out loud... Vintage Roddick.
But Djokovic apparently took serious offense and, post-match with Michael Barkann, fired back Roddick's line about his "16 injuries." Barkann tried to mitigate the 21-year-old's message, but the world number three continued on, insulting the crowd.
Now I am not particularly a Roddick fan. And there's been times I really didn't like his attitude. But I have always given him props for his sense of humor. And intelligence. Even after his semifinal dismantling in Australian Open 2007 (Roger Federer beat him 6-4, 6-0, 6-2), the top American displayed grace in sarcasm.
And in addressing the Serbian's spate of injuries, Roddick was FUN-NY. Anyone who knows Roddick's shirt-sleeve shrug and shimmy of his philanthropy wrist band knows his propensity for lampooning all, even himself.
James Thurber said, "The wit makes fun of other persons; the satirist makes fun of the world; the humorist makes fun of himself."
Roddick takes it to all three levels. Djokovic, on the other hand -- barely a one-trick pony.
A year ago in Flushing Meadows, Djokovic endeared himself to the U.S. Open crowd through his post-match imitations of players, including Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal.
Thursday evening he alienated the crowd. Even when they started to boo, he continued to whinge.
Back in 2007, Djokovic's charades were amusing for a round or two. Though not original material. Many of the ATP and WTA players imitate each other to entertain crowds at charity and exhibition events. It's a natural extension of watching the game. I've seen so much Safin that I reflexively mimic part of his forehand swing when taking a swig from my water bottle. (Yes, I know that's odd. It's also messy.)
Tour veteran Jonas Bjorkman is widely considered the master of imitations. It's something the soon-to-be retired Swede has done with class. His jocularity is affectionate* and the camaraderie is reflected in his long term of service on the ATP Players Council.
In contrast, Djokovic's send-ups are retrospectively looking mean-spirited.
Up until now, I have been trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. But there is a shade of bitterness in his actions. For example, his chest-thumping is not the hearty joy of a Marcos Baghdatis, rather a jeering, chin-jutting arrogance. It's both a preening and an isolating gesture, the latter when directed toward his family.
During that match, Djokovic at times looked dispirited. I suspect part of the reason was that the crowd warmed to the perpetual hustle of his Spanish opponent. They were backing Robredo over the course of those long five sets. The Spaniard kept his performance to athletic display and the fans roared.
Djokovic craves attention and crowd support. I believe he was playing a sympathy angle. I'm not saying he is 100% healthy, but his post-match attempts at self-effacement fell flat.
Reflecting on the tournament so far, I would say the Serbians (including the also dramatic and oft-injured Jelena Jankovic) are prone more than David Duchovny.
Jankovic would probably laugh.
In the latest era of players, there hasn't been a clearcut villain, man or woman. There have been nefarious incidents, but not a consistent foe. Some would cite Lleyton Hewitt -- in 2006, GQ placed him tenth on their most hated athlete list -- but I've found him to be likably scrappy, cocky, and yes, occasionally surly. He's had some definite missteps, but mostly I'd call him pugnacious rather than contemptible.
Besides, becoming a family man has mellowed him. And has he ever had a showdown like this?
No matter what spin is now put on Djokovic's immediate on-court reaction, the crowd won't easily forget. They're good at remembering...
Across the net from The Djoker in the semifinals stands world number two Roger Federer.
In the Opening Night parade of past champions, the defending champion -- who has won it four years running -- got the biggest applause. Though Swiss, he is a native son.
Who is not in his past intimidating form. He's a flawed hero. In the fourth round, Igor Andreev pushed him to five grueling sets, just over three-and-a-half hours. But Fed's reaction at the conclusion showed the public how much he wants to make it five in a row and claim the last Grand Slam of the year.
In his post-match interviews, You're Still The One by Orleans plays over the speakers. This is in acknowledgement of the struggles the former world number one has had all year.
Which began with his semifinal loss at the Australian Open to... Novak Djokovic.
It would be even better if Fed busts out his all-black get up again. He'd make a classic Batman.
In tennis at least, the mythical origins of love make sense. One popular theory is that the term for a zero evolved from the French word for egg, l'oeuf.
The late poet laureate John Ciardi, however, debunked this myth, claiming it the work of "#### etymologists," people who invent derivations of words. Well-meaning though they may be.
Ciardi's support for his argument was that the form of an egg to represent no scores originated in America. In baseball, where nine innings of nothing hanging from a scoreboard truly looks like a row of goose eggs. The French do not make similar reference.
Instead the linguist claimed love in tennis was adapted from the phrase "to play for love of the game," aka for nada.
Still, the urge to equate the zero with food remains strong, since a "bagel" is the nickname for a set score of 6-0. It even takes on verb form... no player wants to be double bageled.
However, many are willing to look for love off the court. There are many forms of love that can be linked to tennis, including now-retired Maggie Maleeva's love for trees. But in honor of the Christmas holiday today, I'll go with the more "traditional" boy-meets-girl romantic kind:
THE LOVE
Pick your portmanteau
Rodapova/Sharadick rumors swirled about most of the year. Maria toyed with the media, wearing a t-shirt proclaiming, "Love is in the air," while on a practice court next to Andy. And later denied knowing Roddick's birthday.
Myself, I think it was just a celebrity-style ploy. And I am disturbed by the fact that serious journalists made reference to Maria no longer being a minor. Ew. The girl still has an overbearing father and her coy relationship with bananas.
The Real Deals
Unlike the above, some tennis matches were authenticated.
Martina Hingis made good on her un-retirement, which for most was less surprising than her sustained relationship with Radek Stepanek. The Swiss Miss' competitive fire may also have stoked the Czech. After 10 years as a professional, Stepanek won his first ATP title in Rotterdam and cracked the top 20. He ranked as high as 8th before a disk injury in August kept him out the rest of the year.
The long-time duo of 1998 French Open champ Carlos Moya and Italy's number two, Flavia Pennetta, survived a game of mixed doubles at the Australian Open together. Something even the charismatic Andre Agassi has yet to convince wife Steffi Graf to try.
And Whirlygig Award-winning Nikolay Davydenko married his girlfriend Irina Vasina shortly before the Davis Cup final.
Family additions
Other relationships have moved beyond mere couplehood.
Speculation had it that Lleyton Hewitt's 2005 marriage to Bec Cartwright and fatherhood tamed the Australian in 2006. Notably reduced was the amount of his trademark, C'mon! While Hewitt may have mellowed, cause and effect is arguable.
But it will be interesting to see what effect motherhood will have on Lindsay Davenport. She just announced that she and husband Jon Leach are expecting their first child. Reports translate Lindsay's statements to call this either a break or the end of her career; Lindsay herself has not made an absolute declaration of retirement.
These days moms are engaging in professional play of soccer, basketball, golf and other intense sports. Moms used to be seen on the main tennis circuit, but in the last few decades, women have been putting off starting families.
The 30-year-old Davenport, who has always been open about her desire for children, struggled with injury this year and played a lighter schedule. But she was still competitive and the top-ranked American. She started the year as she finished 2004 & 2005 -- ranked number one... a few years after she had voiced considerations of retirement.
While Davenport would make an inspiring role model as a WTA Tour mom, she has already been a great leader and contributor to professional tennis. She's shown she truly plays for love of the game.
Best wishes to Lindsay, Jon and family!
A post script photo of the Love King can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this link.
The Inaugural MCLioness Lawn Ornament Awards (Tennis Edition) were introduced on Dec 18, the anniversary of my blog beginnings, and will run through New Year's Day. Honors bestowed thus far:
There’s a full weekend of Davis Cup already in play, most importantly, the World Group semi-finals taking place in the exotic locales of Moscow and Buenos Aires.
Photos from the official dinner in Russia capture the camaraderie and laughter of the Russian and American teams enjoying each other’s company.
But on the other side of the world, is there any Argentinean who doesn’t despise Australian Lleyton Hewitt? I don’t mean any tennis player; I mean any citizen. Hewitt was once voted one of the world’s most unpopular athletes in an Argentina national poll.
Both host countries chose clay as the playing surface. End of similarity.
According to pundits, the presumably tighter tie of the two is Russia v United States.
Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev once again made a decision that bucks the ATP rankings. He chose Marat Safin and Mikhail Youzhny to begin the tie as today’s singles players. Both players looked strong at the US Open, but so did Russia’s number one, Nikolay Davydenko – who like Youzhny, reached the semi-finals in New York.
Tarpischev's strategy is based on who plays best on the day. Davydenko has been looking tired, and Safin is the most talented player left in this year's Davis Cup. On any team. Choosing clay is also good strategy as the Americans are not all that comfortable playing in the dirt. Though James Blake is more versatile than Andy Roddick, the clay blunts both players' service games.
Still, the Bryan Brothers are 2003 French Open champions. And regardless of surface, the American squad always has an advantage in the doubles department. Most countries must field a pairing that doesn’t have much experience together. The Bryans are the number one doubles team in the world. But two weekends ago, for the first time in eight majors, they were not in the final – one half of the team that eliminated them: Mikhail Youzhny. The twins will not underestimate him again. Youzhny will be partnering firebrand Dmitry Tursunov, also finishing up this year in hot form.
The Russian crowd is sure to be rowdy; after all this ain't Wimbledon! As affable as the two teams are, once they're in Olympic Stadium things won't be all giggles and borscht! Decibels at Davis Cup make certain screeching heard in WTA matches sound like kisses blown on the wind. National fervor is expected from local fans at any Davis Cup tie and in reality adds pressure for both home and away teams.
But is it pushed beyond extreme in Buenos Aires?
The Argentines -- who chose clay not as a defensive measure, but because it is their strongest surface -- are favored in their tie against Australia.
Argentina has had leagues-under-the-sea depth in the ATP field for a few years now, and regardless of the changing names at the surface, almost every player has tangled with Hewitt. Juan Ignacio Chela was fined for spitting at him. Hewitt and Guillermo Coria exchanged heated words when Argentina eliminated the Aussies from Davis Cup in the quarterfinals last year.
Hewitt has been, up until recently, a rabid devotee to Davis Cup, ranking its importance over majors. He’s still one of the most competitive men on the ATP tour and enjoys being the underdog, but is also playing with an injured patellar tendon. In addition, Tennis Australia has taken the unprecedented precaution of sending along two security minders to accompany Hewitt throughout. Hewitt claims it’s not just the friction between him and the Argentinean players, but because of reports from other Davis Cup teams about their experiences playing in the South American country.
Argentina’s lynchpin, David Nalbandian, has predicted an easy win against the team from Down Under and made his disdain for Hewitt clear. (Each blames the other for a brush on a changeover at the Australian Open in 2005... Oh, the heights of villainy in tennis!) And Argentina's other singles player, Jose Acasuso, dismissed Hewitt’s security detail as an unnecessary circus.
The Argentinean voice will be amplified in Parque Roca, their brand new cement stadium. But Australia won't be easily silenced. Regardless of reception, this tie will be about who's hot and who's cold on court. This match-up is a matter of degrees, questions with subtle answers.
Hewitt is used to carrying his country's expectations alone and he can handle animosity, even if the eyes of an entire nation are boring holes of venom into him. You might say he even thrives on it, though he seems to have toned down some of his own antagonism and his signature "C'mon!" since becoming a husband and father.
Plus, this is not the most talented team Argentina has produced lately, and Australia has a better squad than when these two last met. Mark Philippoussis will play the opposite singles and Hewitt won't have to cover doubles. The team of Paul Hanley and Wayne Arthurs is slated to face Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri.
Despite what experts are saying, I find it easier to pick the Moscow tie: It will be Russia, who – if keeping its current lineup -- will go on to win the Davis Cup regardless of opponent.
And despite my Safinfatuated bias... that is honestly an objective, logic-based prediction!
Predictions for the World Group Play-offs, winners in bold, ranked according to confidence:
Serbia & Monte#### at Switzerland: Switzerland is serious about getting into the World Group. With Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka, they can do so. Fed's good for two in singles... golly, I feel such a flush of daring saying that!
Czech Republic at Netherlands: Tomas Berdych is a star on the rise, whose baby face belies his power. Jiri Novak is a good veteran resurfacing who matched his younger counterpart's fourth-round result at the US Open this year.
Mexico at Austria: Name one Mexican player.
Italy at Spain: Spain is serious as well, but Tommy Robredo is off his game, otherwise I'd have ranked this second. Spanish captain Emilio Sanchez should follow Tarpischev's strategy and play Fernando Verdasco in singles instead. With depth that rivals Argentina's, look for these men in the World Cup trophy hunt in 2007... oooh, another flush!
Thailand at Germany: Both Tommy Haas and Paradorn Srichaphan have found some late-season steam. Haas has gamesmanship and Florian Mayer. Srichaphan has admirable ethics and the splits.
Belgium at Slovak Republic: Tighter than Serena's catsuit. But Olivier Rochus is scrappy and Kristof Vliegen is underrated. Dominik Hrbaty will have to regain some form to win this; maybe he'll find it with the missing parts of his shirt.
Sweden at Brazil: Lots of veterans in this tie. Great to see that Guga will be facing Jonas Bjorkman in doubles. However, young Swede Robin Soderling decides this.
Korea at Romania: This is essentially Andrei Pavel v Hyung-Taik Lee.
Warning! Despite my semi-finals/finals logic, only the top five picks here are clinical... the bottom trio is my more compulsive side slipping in...
A topsy-turvy tennis week and particularly rough patch for this fan! Within 24 hours, Marat Safin was in a car accident and Kim Clijsters announced that she is unable to defend her U.S. Open title!
Safin's car was totaled when he was struck by another driver just outside his hotel in Cincinnati. He suffered bruises, abrasions, a stiff neck and possibly a mild concussion. Not to keep him down though; he played his doubles match later that day.
It was a woman who ran into him... Hmmm... I can think of much better ways to make an impact on Marat...
Recovery looks bleaker for Kim. She began her week in Montreal with tightness in her left wrist. While leading Stephanie Dubois 6-1, 2-1, on Wednesday, she dove for a cross-court shot and fell on that wrist. No longer able to hit her two-handed backhand, she dropped the next two games and retired from the match.
On her website, she states that her wrist feels much like it did two years ago when she required surgery. On Thursday, she announced her withdrawal from the upcoming major and likely the Fed Cup. Since she planned to retire in 2007, have we seen Kim's last appearance on the pro tour?
And the shockers heading up the news at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters are the upsets of the two most dominant men in tennis, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. For the last 15 tournaments in which these two have both been entered, one of them has won. This was a streak that had begun after the Australian Open in 2005. Between the two of them, they own all the Grand Slam titles.
But out of all this unusual chaos comes a glimmer of confidence regained. Former world number one, Juan Carlos Ferrero, currently 31st, not only took out Nadal, but world number five James Blake. Both matches in two sets. Despite having had a 0-4 record against Nadal, Ferrero convincingly beat the reigning French Open champ in the two tiebreaks: 7-6(2), 7-6(3).
Once upon a time, Ferrero almost owned 2003.
He had been acknowledged as a clay court favorite for a few years by then and finally lived up to his promise -- beating Martin Verkerk in the French Open final. It was partly "The Mosquito's" speed and elegance that made the French my favorite tournament. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the win to his mother, Rosario, who had died of cancer when Juan Carlos was 17.
Dirtballing is such a different game that many clay courters are seen only as specialists. Ferrero believed he had the game for hard court as well. He had begun the year in Australia strong, but his hard court game faltered in the U.S. in August -- a record of 3-2 leading up the the last major of the year, with losses to opponents outside the top 25.
So perhaps his appearance in the U.S.Open final should have surprised even him! But he believed and he earned it. His quarterfinal opponent was the fast and aggresive 2001 champion, Lleyton Hewitt, then ranked number six. After he defeated the Australian, his semi-final oppenent was two-time winner and world number one, Andre Agassi.
In that semi, Ferrero and Agassi hit an oft-replayed rally in which the Spaniard retrieved a lob with a between-the-legs shot... a flashy play that doesn't often play out. Ferrero had already hit one for a winner (!) against Juan Ignacio Chela in the third round. Agassi returned that trick shot and one more, but the fleet Ferrero won the point the way he won the match -- by tracking eveything down.
By the time Ferrero reached Championship Sunday, he had played 2 hours and 4 minutes more than his opponent. Andy Roddick hadn't even faced a top ten player in those two weeks. Truth be told, Roddick was lucky that Argentine David Nalbandian was exhausted and playing with an injured wrist in their semi. The American barely pulled that win out.
After all the determined play of Ferrero, he would certainly have won Most Deserving. It was already poetic that he took the world number one ranking from Agassi by defeating him. The final win would have confirmed his beliefs to the public.
But having played the equivalent of an extra match, Ferrero had nothing left for Roddick and lost in three sets. Yet in the end, the stats did prove his claim as a multi-surface player. He was the first since Ivan Lendl in 1980 to win at least 30 matches on both clay and hard courts (33-5 clay, 30-12 hard). He finished the year ranked third.
In March 2004, he contracted chicken pox. At age 24, the virus is a bit harder to shake off than in your playground years. Just as he was coming back in May, he fell in practice, nearly breaking his ribs and injuring his wrist. That year was a struggle and a lot of recuperation.
In 2005 he returned, looking like he had added a little muscle to his wiry frame and was fit in endurance. He got himself back into the top 20.
Still, he has had no title wins since 2003. And this is only his second semi-final of 2006. Going into Cincy, his record was 22-17. So on paper, his year doesn't look so hot. But he believes he's played some decent tennis all along. And this week, he's been calm on court ,and confident in both his serve and forehand.
So maybe he doesn't have the results, but nine days before the U.S. Open begins -- when the tennis world seems upended -- it's worth looking at dark horses....
And you have to like looking at a former finalist who is downing top five players.
In his semi, going on as I type this, Ferrero faces another Spaniard. One who is having a his best year ever: Tommy Robredo, currently ranked seventh.
Haynes' ranking outside of the top 100 does not reflect her ability. Neither does her four first-round exits in majors last year. Perhaps the best indicator of this 21-year-old American's talent is the challenge she gave compatriot Serena Williams in the first round of Wimbledon last year.
Haynes took the court determined. It was a match to remember, most notably for the first set in which the women traded several breaks of serve. It lasted 65 minutes. Each player had four set points; Haynes won 14-12 in the tiebreak and had the two-time Wimbledon champion frustrated.
The entire match lasted 2 hours, 19 minutes, with Serena the victor, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. Haynes had the fastest serve of the match, at 115mph, and her average second serve was 5 mph faster than Serena's. Haynes has demonstrated the power and spirit to be a serious threat.
Donald Young
Young is already well-known in tennis circles: fellow-lefty John McEnroe took note of this kid when Donald was ten. And Young's junior career showed results to back the buzz. In 2005, he was Australian Open Junior Champion, becoming the youngest boy to win a Slam title and shortly after, he became the youngest to own the number one junior ranking. He also took home the U.S. Open Doubles title, partnering Alex Clayton.
In addition, he competed in seven events on the men's ATP circuit last year, but his success has yet to transfer there. It's clearly his intent to change that. He bypassed the chance to defend his junior title in Australia this past January, instead playing Futures & Challenger events in order to boost his ATP ranking and earn wild cards to men's events.
Currently, Young wins using his speed and technique. At 5'11" and 155 pounds, expect the 16-year-old to add power to his arsenal when he builds up some muscle. He's already acknowledged the different level of mental fortitude found in the ATP competitors compared the juniors. He accepts this as part of his continued growth.
James Blake
Blake, whose mother is a white Briton and father was a black American, may already be on your radar. Maybe not even for his tennis, as he gets noticed for his attractiveness. People Magazine named him "Sexiest Athlete Alive" in 2002 and he is signed with a modeling agency.
Or maybe you're familiar with his incredible comeback story. Blake returned to tennis after a traumatic time in his life, during which he broke his neck, lost his father to cancer and under the combined duress, had such a bad case of shingles that his face was partially paralyzed for a time.
He has already won his first title of 2006 in Sydney, where he defeated Russian Igor Andreev in the final. Today he will be contesting Australian Lleyton Hewitt for the title in Las Vegas. It should be a challenge and a lively match. Hewitt holds a 6-0 record against Blake and the two have some friction in their past.
So while Blake is well-known, I consider him a rising star, because he hasn't hit his peak yet. I agree with tennis reporter Matthew Cronin... Blake could take the American men's number one spot from Andy Roddick. This could be a great thing for the American men, including Roddick, who himself believes Blake will be a top ten player.
A History Note
While American tennis is not yet as integrated as some other sports, it is notable that the largest tennis venue in the United States is Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, home of the U.S. Open. The Open champions earn their titles there. In taking a key role to help form the ATP, Ashe helped those athletes earn the money they deserve.
His contributions transcend sport. Through his actions, he drew attention to apartheid, AIDS awareness and health care. Last year, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in his honor. It features the photo published on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1992, when Ashe was named Sportsman of the Year. He is not forgotten -- and will not be.
* I don't use the phrase "postscript" in terms of an afterthought or an addendum of lesser importance. I thought deeply on this.
Morgan Freeman made headlines by objecting to the naming of February as Black History Month. He was quoted as saying, "You're going to relegate my history to a month?" I agree with that part of his stance; hence I am posting this outside of February.
However, I do support the honor of heritage months. May is both Asian Pacific American History Month and Older Americans Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15-Oct. 15, and November is American Indian Heritage Month.
To understand my view in terms of a less hot-button issue: April is National Poetry Month. I read poetry year-round and don't give it a ranking in terms of other written genres. (I'll read just about anything.) I just appreciate the reminder, take some additional time to acknowledge and value the focus. And quite frankly, I'll take any excuse to celebrate something.
I believe in unity and can still love the things that make people unique. Our heritage is part of that, as are many things we often define as labels... race, gender, political identification, sexual orientation and even preferences in sports and teams. Do we need to identify all those things in people we encounter? No, but variances from my own opinion, experience and knowledge appeal to me. Individuals very different from myself here in the blogdom have taught me many new things already... I live for that!
March is Women's History Month. Smart money says I'll have a few things to write about. I see it as my opportunity to share something that makes me inherently different from many here. It's how you approach differences that count.
In times of late, filled with bickering and scandal, you may find yourself a sports fan in search of a hero.
May I present Roger Federer, men's tennis world number one.
Not just because of the superlatives and achievements that accompany this man... But because it's refreshing to recognize one so gifted, yet so simply human.
The 24-year-old Swiss just broke his own INDESIT ATP rankings record with 7275 points. The mark Fed surpassed was 6980 points, which he set last June. Second-ranked Rafael Nadal currently has just 4615 points.
Federer draws many comparisons to Pete Sampras. Fed now has seven Grand Slam titles, as many as Sampras did at the same age. Some say he could surpass Sampras and become the greatest tennis player ever. Well-versed and passionate about his sport's history, Fed knows exactly what these comments mean.
His seeming greatness leaves people to nitpick for flaws.
NO ANGEL
Roger's game is described as beautiful, creative and imaginative; he is often cited as the player other tennis players most like to watch. Even in still photos, he looks fluid. But like Sampras, Fed has been criticized for being emotionless on court.
How quickly we forget history...
As any hero must face a challenge, in Roger's years as a junior he battled his own temper. He was a racquet-breaker on par with Russian ace Marat Safin* and often got kicked out of practice sessions for tantrums.
Roger felt the displays of frustration worked against him, so he made a change. He has his game face now; outbursts are rare during a match. But to consider him emotionless is to misjudge him.
CLARITY
Federer has continued to show that same prescience in deciding what's best for himself. During his incredible run in 2004, Federer worked without a coach... he coached himself to three Grand Slam titles! He also has more control over his career management than other players.
While Fed currently employs Tony Roche as his coach, it's only part-time. They have much less contact with each other than is typical. Roger's "entourage" is also relatively small, simple and close: family, physiothe#### and friends, including his long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
In early 2005, some labeled Roger as a disappointment when he failed to make the finals in the first two Grand Slams of the year. He fell in semifinal rounds to the eventual champions of each -- Marat Safin in the Australian Open and Rafael Nadal in the French Open.
Not only are those respectable results, but to say Roger failed slights the performances of his opponents. The Spaniard Nadal dominated the entire clay court season and was tabbed as the favorite. Safin saved match point in the fourth set of the AO semi and had to finish out the fifth set 9-7. That was a brutally-fought win, one that took 4 hours, 28 minutes.
Fed agrees. He asks that the media give more credit to the men across the net from him, win or lose.
Aside from all his physical gifts, Roger is also blessed with humility. "I try not to forget that it's been a tough road for me. I amaze myself every time I do well."
THE NEXT GEAR
Federer is a powerhouse in finals. A mark of greatness, yes... not just in his results, but in his adaptability and in giving everything he has. Even when struggling, Fed will keep trying new approaches and testing his opponent. You can often read the moment in the match when Fed settles in and finds his extra gear.
I know that some sports fans despise streaks or find such dominance boring. They root for the downfall. Schadenfreude, perhaps?**
Not me. I feel Roger challenges the field for the betterment of the sport. We should honor such feats of human empowerment, especially if we truly consider the mental pressure that comes from being at the top of one's sport.
Every man on tour is looking to be the spoiler. Everyone guns for Fed. If he's in their portion of the draw, they expect to play him. If he's in the opposite half, they expect to meet him in the final. While Fed has to figure out everybody who is gunning for him, which is... everybody.
He stands, one man on court, same as his opponents. Support in the wings, but all decisions are his. All the time put in to get to that moment -- a hero's risk and sacrifice to be his best.
Only four men beat Roger in 2005. The fourth broke Roger's streak of consecutive wins in finals.
RESILIENCE
The tennis year takes a great toll; too much players are saying. Andy Roddick, Safin and Nadal did not attend the year-end 2005 Tennis Masters Cup due to injury; Andre Agassi pulled out after one match. Lleyton Hewitt withdrew to witness the arrival of his first child.
One of Federer's stand-out abilities is simply to stay healthy. But Fed came into the tournament match-poor after a six-week injury lay-off; he'd been on crutches after injuring his right ankle.
He had much to gamble with. The finals streak for one. A possible third straight Masters Cup title. Tying John McEnroe's season record of 82-3 if he won every match.
Fed could have easily bypassed this tournament as many of his peers did. But it means something to him to give his support to the sport itself and such a great tournament specifically. The Masters Cup is top-of-your-form tennis for only the top eight players of the year.
Fed won all his round-robin matches and then the semi. But after 24 straight wins in finals, he was edged out by David Nalbandian in the fifth set (9-7) of the final in Shanghai. All due credit to Nalbandian; he's a gritty competitor and fun to watch. Federer had already beaten him once in the tournament.
"When I lose I am disappointed, but I surely respect my opponent when he beats me and can congratulate him with a smile," Federer acknowledges.
TRUE GIFTS
He also recognized the resonance of his January Australian Open title in Rod Laver Arena. When Laver himself presented the trophy, the "unemotional" Federer gave a teary acceptance speech. (Not for the first time either. Fed cried at his first Slam win, Wimbledon 2003. Fellow 2006 AO finalist, Marcos Baghdatis said when he watched that match on tv, he cried with Roger.)
With that title, Federer is now reigning champion of three of the four Grand Slams. To hold all four titles at once is a rare feat. Laver is the only player to do so twice -- in calendar years, no less.
Next up is the French Open... and it is the only Slam Roger has yet to win (echoes of Sampras). With the possibility of this win, some are calling it the "Roger Slam." I prefer "Swiss Slam" myself.
There are too many current examples of frailty in athletics... Institutions and games in controversy. Great ones under su####ion. Formerly inspiring sports records marred by drug scandal.
I celebrate the fact that this young man -- who likely faces a world full of temptations -- makes his work, his passion, his achievement look easy... and still admits flaws that are so everyday human.
After an early round match in Rod Laver Arena, Jim Courier asked Fed what things he's not good at.
"I'm always late, I can't cook, I can't get out of bed," Federer confessed.
When casting about for a hero, FedEx delivers a little inspiration with his winsome laugh...
I haven't come close to such greatness.
And I make nothing look easy.
But I can perhaps say I do one thing better than Roger Federer... there's hope for me yet.
* The mercurial Marat Safin happens to be my favorite athlete, a different breed of hero. True, he does have an on-court moodiness, but it is tempered by affability and lust for life. Peers, fans, and press name him as one of the most well-liked players on tour (as is Federer). Safin says he needs to break an occasional racquet to feel like himself.
(Marat, if you read this... I know you're working hard and near to competition form... Get healthy and then back to doing what you do better than anyone!!!)
**schadenfreude: pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others
The Sharapova Shift: Less Love for Clijsters & Co.(Part two in a series)
Part one can be found here. In it, I address the theory that media covers Maria Sharapova so much that it detracts from the achievements of other women athletes. Part one also covers Kim Clijsters' historic U.S. Open win in 2005 and some reasons why she deserved more votes for the 2005 AP Female Athlete of the Year.
THE STORY
One the rise in 2003, Clijsters had reached world number one in singles and finished the year ranked second. She was either semi-finalist or finalist in the four Grand Slams and won the year-end, round-robin WTA Tour Championship -- in which only the top 8 tour players of the year are invited. Clijsters' $4.4 million in tournament winnings still stands as the highest year total on the WTA Tour money list.
She continued her form in January 2004 by contesting the Australian Open title, losing to fellow Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne for the third time in a Slam singles final. Clijsters had beaten Henin-Hardenne several times for titles on smaller stages. She had chances in all the Slam singles finals she'd reached, but never made good on them. Aside from her doubles Slam titles, her mental game seemed shaky when it came time to be a champion. She was known as the best player never to have won a singles Slam.
Clijsters then had to pull out of the French Open in May, hampered by injury. She was often seen in the friends' box of Austalian men's number one Lleyton Hewitt, her fiance. A month later, she withdrew from Wimbledon. Surgery was required to remove a cyst and repair a tear in her left wrist. Doctors told her she might not play again. Unable to compete in the final Slam of 2004, she watched tournaments from the stands in a cast -- but believed she would be back on court in the fall.
Given the go-ahead, Kim attempted a comeback in September and reinjured the healing wrist. Looking at her MRIs, several doctors told her they would not have let her start competing when she did. Fortunately, she didn't need more surgery. But she did have to cope with the end of her relationship with Hewitt.
She released a statement saying she would focus on rehabilitation and wouldn't play until 2005. When the calendar turned to January, she withdrew from the Australian Open.
By the time Clijsters returned to competition in February, her world ranking had fallen to 133. Clijsters entered tournaments unseeded, but she quickly showed she belonged back on top in Miami and Indian Wells. She won those back-to-back Tier 1 titles, in the process defeating five of the women ranked in the top six at the time: then-reigning French Open champion Anastasia Myskina, Elena Dementieva, Sharapova, Amelie Mauresmo and world number one Lindsay Davenport.
She had returned convincingly, with an improved forehand. Clijsters had practiced hard in her off-time, learning to make adjustments in her game. She will always have to be mindful of her wrist, but acknowledges her injury gave her perspective.
Clijsters' nine titles, including her historic U.S. Open Championship*, lead the WTA Tour in 2005. It was the feel-good, comeback story of the year.
KIM KONG: Perhaps you only know Clijsters as a destructive force. No other player owns Sharapova the way Kim does. Lifetime head-to-head? 4-0, Clijsters.
THE HONEY
I doubt Clijsters would say she is lacking for attention. She won Belgium's Sportswoman of the Year for the fifth time.
The tennis community piled accolades on Clijsters for her year in 2005. The International Tennis Federation named her World Champion. Along with Player of the Year, the International Tennis Writers' Association also honored her with the Ambassador for Tennis Award. The latter honors the players who go out of their way to promote tennis globally. And the Lawn Tennis Writer's Association selected Kim for their inagural Stella Artois Award -- for the player who goes above and beyond to represent tennis in the highest manner.
Basically it acknowledges her phenomal year and her efforts with the media and public. Clijsters enjoys her time with reporters and fans; she sees it as an important contribution to the sport. Like the ATP's Roger Federer, who also won the men's ITF and ITWA awards, Clijsters speaks multiple languages. Her English is very good.
And by all accounts, Clijsters deserves her Miss Congeniality nickname -- she really IS that nice. She has been voted as friendliest on the tour by her peers and was one of the first players to donate to the tsunami and Katrina tragedies.
"You don't have to hate an opponent to beat them."
- Kim Clijsters
In terms of the tennis players considered, I find little rationale for the AP Female Athlete of the Year voting. Sharapova and Venus Williams are quality, exciting players that bring much to the sport. No need to detract from their contributions and performance. Sharapova deserved her awards in 2004 and Venus' return to form was a crowd-pleaser. But 2005 belongs to Kim.
Clijsters doesn't have the name recognition here in America that the other two players do. Media and its consumers have a symbiotic relationship. Sharapova ranks as the most searched athlete, woman or man, on Yahoo! Top Searches 2005. Anna Kournikova ranks second. Though Anna K. continues to play tennis in charitable events, I suspect most searches aren't looking for her philanthropic contributions. So I surmise that not all searches are based on recent athletic accomplishments. (Another athlete on the top ten list is Michael Jordan.) Interest in Sharapova is partly based on her appearance and frequency in the press.
So, if more of the general public were aware on Clijsters' significance in 2005, would she have made that list?
In the last two years, women's tennis has not had a player dominate the way Federer rules the men's tour. The Grand Slams have crowned seven different women as winners; only Henin-Hardenne won two Slam titles in that time.
Sharapova may be the most "popular," but several women on the tour deserve some additional press. Media attention and marketability affects sponsor and endorsement oppotunites and athlete can get. Top -- and poular -- players get center court preferences. Larger venues allow for larger audiences... feeding more interest in a player.
Currently, of the eight women left in the Australian Open singles draw, only Sharapova has played every one of her matches in Rod Laver Arena, home of the finals and the largest venue in Melbourne. Sharapova is seeded fourth for the tournament. Seeds 1-3 (Davenport, Clijsters and Mauresmo) are still in the hunt; they have all played on other courts at least once. Sharapova's quarterfinal opponent is Nadia Petrova, the sixth seed. Petrova hasn't even played a match in Rod Laver Arena once this tournament. Neither has Patty Schnyder, the seventh seed.
I don't envy tournament organizers. They have to scedule matches day-by-day, based on results and guessing at possibly intriguing matchups. Center court and night matches bring in more revenue. They bow somewhat to public interest. The public is apparently demanding Maria.
Who's in control here -- media or public --and is it fair? Rod Laver (and other center courts) offers a bigger atmosphere than any other court in Melbourne. Finals are played and Champions made there. There is a mental advantage to have experienced the atmosphere before a big match. To Maria, it must feel like home. To Petrova, it's another hurdle. Petrova's a player on the verge, is the public aware of her?
Surely there is enough media love to go around. Last fall, Federer -- who manages his own career more than other players -- enlisted IMG to handle his marketing. Not to increase his appearances; he feels he is already booked up. Fed entrusts IMG to keep his year simple, so he can focus on winning.
I don't intend a sweeping condemnation of the media. For example, Sports Illustrated's Elizabeth Newman profiled Clijsters as her Sportsman of the Year (award went to New England QB Tom Brady). And fans -- regardless of level or purpose of interest -- are certainly allowed to choose their favorites based on decibels of grunts or glamour girl photos. Given more information, though, they might make different choices.
I expect more depth of interest and knowledge from the AP sports editors. I cannot help but think Clijsters' place in history slipped by too quietly. The predominance of Sharapova in the media may also be hindering careers of other players. However, should Petrova top Maria, no doubt it will be big news.
Note: There will possibly be a third installment in the series, with more focus on Sharapova and other athletes. If so, I will link it here.
I'd say I'm more athlete than fan. I hope I can say that all my life.
After Marat Safin, is there anyone else?
Some of my other favorite athletes include: Dmitry Tursunov, Kim Clijsters, Roger Federer, Tedy Bruschi, Cory Schlesinger, Brian McBride, Lynn Hill & Dean Potter.
I truly appreciate any advice or criticism. Thank you.
